Emma was overwhelmed. She knew it would be hard work to go on a tour, there was so much to organize, so much to do, to think about.
Killian was a pro and with Smee's help it was so much easier. Smee was the one who promised her to look for a manager because Emma didn't know how to look for one and especially where.
Now she stood in front of a huge building. Here they met a photographer to take the promo pictures for the posters, the homepage, the flyers and the merchandising stuff. She still couldn't believe that she agreed to go on tour with Killian. Six months on the road, then a short break and then again six months touring. She was excited just thinking about it.
Emma was so nervous. She took a deep breath and opened the door. The next moment she was surrounded by four men, all of them talking to her, asking questions, touching her. Emma panicked, her breath quickened, her head started spinning, she looked around for help and found it when she saw Killian walking towards her.
„Emma!", he said happily and waved everyone away from her. He hugged her and whispered in her ear that she did not have to be afraid or overwhelmed. „Relax, love. You are a natural and this will be an easy shooting. It will be like... a little vacation." He kissed her forehead and turned to the others, placing his artificial hand on her waist.
„Be nice to her. It's her first shooting", he yelled at everyone making her blush. Two of the men came back and ushered her to another room. They worked on her hair, her make-up. They wanted to shoot different scenes. The main promotion pictures and some for special occasions like Valentine's day, Halloween, Christmas or others.
Emma looked into the mirror and was surprised. She looked sooo good, she couldn't believer her eyes. They did magic on her, they did not hide her natural beauty, they just highlighted it.
She went back to the huge hall where Killian and the others chatted and laughed with each other. When she cleared her throat everyone turned.
„SWAN! Emma, you look… wow … uhm … stunning, love", Killian said after opening and closing his mouth three or four times without finding the right words.
„Well guys, let's get started", the photographer shouted and Emma and Killian went to him. „First we will just take some pictures to get warm with each other. You need to forget that I am there. Just feel the moment. Listen to what I say and improvise."
Emma looked at Killian and nodded. They started with easy poses, but the assistant had to help Emma every time what frustrated not only her but also the photographer. Killian saw her misery and had an idea.
„Jimmy, may I ?", he asked and the photographer nodded thankful.
Killian faced Emma, standing mere inches from her. „Emma, look at me. Forget everyone around. Look at me." She did as she was told but was so nervous, her eyes drifted off his face again and he stepped even closer, tipping up her chin with his hook.
Emma could feel the metal and her eyes snapped back to his eyes. He had to wear the hook for the pictures, it was his signature feature and part of himself as a dj. „Do you trust me, love?", he asked and she nodded instantly.
She didn't know why, but from the beginning of their friendship she always trusted him. And he also trusted her. She thought about the evening two weeks ago. The night he came to her, broken, sad, lonely. The night he told her about Milah, the night she told him about her past (at least a bit of it). This was the day something even more intense started. She could not tell what but everything felt different now.
„Good. I will guide you and you will do what I tell you, all right?", Killian's voice brought her back, she found his eyes again, smiled and relaxed a bit.
„Okay", she whispered still nervous. He pulled her into a hug and nodded at Jimmy who shot a picture and waited. Killian knew what Jimmy wanted, so it was easy for him to help.
„Close your eyes and let me lead you. Think about a happy place", he started and stroked her hair softly. Emma nodded and smiled. „Tell me."
Right here. Emma wanted to say but she decided to take her other happy place. „I'm standing behind the turntables."
„How does it feel?" He asked while pushing her away gentle.
„Great. I feel free, happy, carefree. People are cheering at me, no, at us. They are dancing, jumping, screaming. Killian it is amazing."
„Keep this feeling and open your eyes again. Whenever it is too much, close your eyes and think about your happy place."
She nodded and opened her eyes. Killian held her hand and squeezed it gentle. She smiled and looked at him happily. Click. Jimmy shot another picture of them.
„Perfect! Emma take your headphones; Killian get next to her; stay back to back - perfect. That's it…"
Everything went great the next three hours. They changed positions, they changed properties, outfits, light, backgrounds. They laughed had fun and made pretty great pictures.
„Get on my back!", Killian suddenly said mischievously.
„What?" Emma was exhausted, it had been a long time since she was that happy. She looked at him bewildered, why on earth should she do that.
„Get on my back! Come on", Killian said again and lowered himself, so she was able to climb up.
Emma looked around giggling, she climbed on his back, putting her legs around his middle. First she held tight, but after some minutes she felt more self confident and let go. She put her hands in the air, smiled and waved.
Jimmy started to take pictures again, he shouted some instructions, they followed them willingly. Suddenly someone started a song and both of them started to sway. Unfortunately not in synch and so Killian struggled. The next moment he fell, trying to provide Emma from hitting the hard floor like he did seconds before.
He turned and she landed on top of him, breathing heavily. Her hair covered their faces, which were so close, their noses brushed against each others. They stayed like that, everything around them seemed to be forgotten.
Emma's eyes mimicked his, flickering between eyes and lips. She lowered herself the last inches, his lips met hers. It was electrifying. She had kissed him on the lips before, but this – this was different.
He responded immediately, his tongue brushing amongst her lower lip, seeking permission, seeking entrance. Emma slowly opened her mouth.
"Captain! Are you seducing your tour partner?!", a female voice echoed through the hall, making Emma jump and blush the same moment.
Killian's eyes widened. "Your majesty", he said and got up, wincing and rubbing his hip. Emma watched the scene irritated.
"Always the charmer", the woman replied in a harsh tone, "so this is Emma Swan, I presume?!"
Emma nodded and looked at her still confused. "And you are?"
"Regina Mills. Your new manager", she answered and looked her up and down.
"My manager?", Emma asked speechless, searching for Killian or Smee. They stood in a corner, talking heated with each other. Killian didn't seem to be happy, Smee pointed at Regina and replied something what made Killian close his mouth again.
"You are looking for a manager, Smee told me. Ain't that right?", Regina said, making Emma looking back to her.
"Yes, I do. I just thought... I am just surprised... So, you are a manager and want to be my manager?!"
"No one else want to, so yes, I like challenges." She walked away, looking around and waiting for a response.
"What you mean "no one else want to"?" Emma asked quietly, searching her eyes.
Regina shrugged. "You do not have the best reputation in the scene." Emma opened her mouth but closed it again, not sure what to say. She crossed her hands in front of her chest.
"And you want the job because you like challenges?", Emma asked annoyed. There was something about this woman she didn't like.
Before Regina was able to answer, Killian and Smee came back, looking at her sternly. "Regina. What a pleasure", he said and wanted to take her hand.
"Come on, Captain, I don't need this formalities. You know I am not here for you. I am here for her."
"Yes, about that, I am not quite sure my manager made the right choice", Killian started but was interrupted by Emma.
"Excuse me, I think I should be the one who makes a choice, shouldn't I?"
"Of course, love, but I really am not sure if she is the right one for you", he said looking between the two women.
"Maybe we should sit and talk", Regina said and ignored Killian completely. Emma nodded but was interrupted by Jimmy, the photographer.
"We need to shoot the portraits, than you are dismissed. Shall we start with you, Emma?!", he took her hand and ushered her into another corner of the hall. He leant closer and whispered in her ear.
"I thought you may want a bit of distraction. The Captain and her majesty have a bit of a past."
Emma's eyes widened. "You mean, they were...", she started but Jimmy just took a picture and laughed. He showed her the picture and smiled broadly. "If you ever need a totally shocked picture, that will be perfect."
They both started to laugh. Emma had to pose for another thirty minutes until Jimmy was satisfied with the result. "Perfect, I'll let Killian know as soon as the pictures are ready."
"Nah, you better call me instead", Regina suddenly appeared behind Jimmy.
"Alright, than I will call you." Emma rolled her eyes and Jimmy winked at her, heading towards Killian.
"Shall we go somewhere else, Ms. Swan? Shall we talk about our employment contract?", Regina said, looking at her watch.
"I thought I may talk to Killian first", Emma started but when she saw Regina's expression, she rolled her eyes. "What?"
"Are you and Captain Guyliner a thing?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes, if you are, the best thing will be that Smee takes both of you. If you always run to your lover boy to ask for permission, I won't be able to do my job."
Emma looked over Regina's shoulder and back to her. "No, we are not "a thing" - we are friends and I would like to talk to you about a potential employment contract. Let me just say good bye."
"Right, I'll wait outside. But if you are not there in five minutes I will be gone." The black haired woman turned and walked towards the exit, her heels clicking on the hard surface. Emma breathed heavily and walked to Killian.
"So you are looking for a manager", Regina said, stirring her coffee and taking a bite of her cake. Emma watched her, tilting her head but also nodded. "That's delicious, you should definitely try the apple pie."
"No thank you", Emma said, still watching her. She heard Killian's words in her head, he had warned her, but she also heard Smee's words. He had tried to convince Killian that is was a good idea. That Regina was the right for the job. That he had to trust him, that he knew what he was doing and that he would never harm or betray Emma. Killian hadn't been satisfied but he had told her to choose herself and at least talk to her.
Now they two women sat on a small table at the café, Regina suggested.
"May I speak open? I do not want to have secrets and I don't want to lie to you."
Emma shifted in her seat nervously. She looked around and back to the woman in front of her. "Yeah, I think that will be the best."
"Right, Ms. Swan. So, I know you do not get a job at the moment. I did some background search and what I found was... interesting."
Emma started to play with the rim of her glass. She couldn't look her in the eyes.
"But... as I said before, I like challenges. And I know you do not have that much money. However after the tour you will and you will need someone to handle your business and I am the best for this job."
"Is that so? Killian..."
"Killian, Killian... I thought we were through this whole lover boy shit." Regina looked at Emma sternly.
She on the other hand looked up and met her eyes. Around them people chatted with each other, ignoring the two of them completely. "I've told you, he and I are not a couple. He is just a friend and he is more experienced than I am and I am thankful for his advise", she snapped.
"Well, glad to hear. Again. I just needed to be sure about that. Now that we can speak without anybody listening. Tell me about your work, about your latest appearances, what is your goal? A CD, a specific event, a tour? What do you expect from me as your manager?"
Emma shifted again, lifting her hot cocoa and taking a sip. She started talking and the more she told her the more Regina got interested. After about two hours they decided to give it a try.
"So this is where you work when you are not behind the turntables?", Regina wrinkled her nose entering the diner, placing herself in an empty booth near the counter.
"Well, it's nice to see you too, Regina", Emma greeted her with a tray of breakfast in her hands. "Let me just finish these tables and I am right with you."
Regina removed her gloves and placed them in front of her on the table. She looked around, it was definitely not a place she dined usually. She took a menu, but put it back immediately without really looking into it, shivering.
"So, what can I bring you?", Emma appeared next to her and smiled broadly.
"Black coffee will do", she answered and looked at Emma annoyed, "then we have to talk."
Emma rolled her eyes while she walked to the counter and made Regina the coffee. The doorbell chimed, making Emma look. A wide smile crossed her face. Before returning to Regina, she made another coffee – this time to-go. She pointed at the booth Regina sat into, making the new customer grimace.
Slowly she walked towards Regina, placing the mug in front of her. "I'll be right with you." She rushed towards the door, offering the new customer the cup-to-go. "I'll call you later, promise. I didn't know she was coming today."
"It's alright, love. She still doesn't believe we are just friends?" Emma shook her head, looking over her shoulder.
"No, not after what she saw during the shooting and especially not after she saw the pictures", she smiled thinking about some of them and Regina's reaction.
"I'll be in New York until Friday. Will we see us Friday evening?", Killian asked smiling while he brushed a strand out of her face. She shook her head sadly.
"I wish I could, but what about Saturday? Are you gonna play at the "Rush"?"
Killian nodded. "Yes, me and Robin. How about you and Ruby come? It had been a long time since we all were out."
"I need to ask her, but I think if she is willing to come, she surly wants to bring Arthur or Dorothy."
"Fine by me, the more the merrier", he laughed and took a sip of his coffee. "Thanks for that, Swan. I need to go now. Let's talk later. Text me what your majesty wanted."
Emma rolled her eyes. "She is my manager, Killian. She wants to do some business. Now leave, or you will miss your flight."
"Yes, Ma'am", he bent down and kissed her cheek. "Good luck with her." Emma rolled her eyes again and went to Regina.
"How's the Captain?", Regina asked annoyed, without even looking up.
Emma rolled her eyes and sat down. "He is fine - off to New York until Friday."
"Are you two seeing each other often? It's interesting how close you are and how well you know his scheduling." Regina looked up, her eyebrows raised.
Emma crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Regina, one last time. We are just friends. We used to have a friends night each week but with his job in New York at "world's next top dj" we barely see each other and we have a tour to plan." She quickly thought before she continued. "How about you joining our group next Saturday at the "Rush"? He and Robin are performing."
"We are no friends, Ms Swan", Regina started, "we work with each other and I doubt that we'd become friends."
Emma nodded. "Right, but maybe you can connect fun and work? You learn more about me and the people around me and you can get myself a job there. And eventually you enjoy yourself and relax a bit. You work hard enough. Just give it a thought."
Regina murmured something unintelligible before she showed Emma some papers and went back straight to business.
"Ruby, over here!", Emma yelled and waved at her friend. The tall brunette smiled at Emma and walked towards her, plopping herself across her sighing.
"Where is Dorothy or did you invite Arthur?", Emma asked loudly.
Ruby rolled her eyes. "Don't ask! I need a drink. Do you want something?"
Emma shook her head and nodded at the bar, Killian stood there taking two tumblers from the man behind the counter. Ruby nodded and went to the bar while Killian came back to the table.
"Was that Ruby?", he asked and gave Emma one of the glasses. She nodded and clinked glasses with him.
"I think she is here alone tonight."
"Not long, that's for sure", Killian pointed at the bar and Emma rolled her eyes. Ruby was flirting with a tall man who handed her a drink.
"She is something. Sometimes I wish I was more like her", Emma said and nudged Killian's arm.
He leant closer, brushing his lips over her cheek to her ear. "I'm very fond of the woman you are, love." He kissed her cheek, leaning back and sipping at his rum. Emma blushed immediately until her eyes landed on a dark haired woman standing in the middle of the hallway.
"No way", she said smiling and pointed at Regina, "she really came."
"Bloody hell! Did you invite her?", Killian nearly spit his rum across the table.
"Yeah I thought it was a good idea."
"Maybe", he murmured and observed Emma's manager who turned just in that moment. She nodded at them and sat down a few moments later.
"Captain, Ms. Swan", she said and looked around uninterested, "isn't anyone else here? I thought you wanted to show me your friends and convince me that you two are not a thing."
Emma tried to ignore Regina's comment. "Well Ruby is at the bar, she came alone tonight and Robin is already at the stage."
Regina crunched her nose, "Robin who?"
"Hood", Killian answered coldly and stared at her.
"Never heard of him. Who is his manager?"
"B. Tuck", Killian snapped at her, drowning the rest of his rum.
Emma was surprised how cold Killian suddenly was. Before Regina came to them he was joking and talking about last week. How difficult it was with two of the last candidates and that they nearly had to kick someone out because of drugs.
"Hey", Ruby suddenly said and smiled at Killian. He replied her smile before Ruby sat down next to Regina. "Hi, I'm Ruby, Emma's best friend and you are?"
"Regina, her manager", she answered harshly and turned a bit. Ruby looked at Emma who just formed the word "sorry" with her mouth.
An hour later, Killian had to leave to go on stage. He kissed Emma's cheek and hugged her tight while watching Regina. Emma smacked him but also enjoyed his attention.
"I have a new song. I was inspired by you while creating it", he whispered in her ear and left. Emma shook her head slightly and watched him leaving.
"Hey, you alright?", Ruby asked and waved a hand in front of her. Emma nodded and shifted again, emptying the glass in front of her.
"Can we go to the dance floor when Killian starts? I don't want to miss his performance and Robin won't be off stage until Killian has finished." Ruby nodded excited. "Will you join us, Regina?"
Regina shook her head. "I will find a better way to enjoy the night. Will you come back here after the performance?" Emma nodded. "Alright, see you then. I'll try to get you a performance in here as well. The club seems to be a good choice." She raised and left without another word.
"Phew, is her majesty like that all the time?" She pushed her hair over her shoulder and watched her leaving.
"Ruby! Did you talk with Killian? Stop calling Regina that."
The brunette giggled and got up, taking Emma's hand. "Come on, Ems. We don't want to miss your Captain's performance."
"He ain't my captain", she said annoyed but let Ruby lead them to the dance floor.
"You are an idiot, Killian", Emma said and smacked his arm laughing.
"And you like me for that", he answered smiling until his eyes fell on Robin and Regina. He turned his head and pointed in their direction.
Emma's jaw dropped when she saw how interested and intense they chatted.
When Regina started to laugh, Emma got up quickly. "I think I need a drink."
"Me too, love, me too." They went to the bar, never breaking eye contact with the flirting and laughing couple.
"Regina and Robin? How's that coming?" Emma asked irritated, leaning her back against the counter.
"I don't know", Killian answered and ordered two tequila. He slid one towards Emma who took and emptied it quickly. After three more she finally was able to watch them without a weird feeling.
"I like the way she laughs. She never does that", Emma observed while Killian just shook his head annoyed. He didn't want Regina flirting with his best friend. He had a plan to stop them immediately. He pushed himself off the bar and went back to their table before Emma could do anything against it. Ruby wasn't there, she was dancing on the dance floor, it were just Regina and Robin.
"How is Roland?", Killian suddenly asked Robin, who looked at him irritated.
"Well, he is fine, mate. Why are you asking?" He turned a bit and eyed Killian angrily.
"Who is Roland?" Regina asked interested.
"My son", Robin answered truthfully while he still looked at Killian.
"Your son?", Regina asked surprised and Killian smiled triumphantly making Robin even angrier. He wanted to say something when Regina placed her hand on his arm. "How old is he?"
"He is four", Robin turned looking into Regina's eyes.
"Is he... is he with his mo...", Regina asked quietly, hurt and sadly but Robin shook his head quickly. After one last glance at Killian he looked at Regina.
"My wife died a few years ago. It's just me and my kid."
"Wow, you must be quite a father. Looking after a four years old and being a dj must be very hard."
"Thank you. I think being a single parent is hard, no matter what job you have. I appreciate your awareness." Now he turned himself, focusing on Regina completely and ignoring Killian who shook his head annoyed. He looked back at the bar where Emma stood and watched.
He locked eyes with her, overthinking his next move. When he heard Regina and Robin laugh simultaneous, he got up and went to her.
Emma frowned, placing a hand on his upper arm. "What's wrong, Killian? They seem to like each other, don't they?"
"Right", he said plopping the "t" harder than necessary.
"So what's your problem?", Emma turned him, so he was facing in the opposite direction and not able to watch Regina and Robin anymore.
He shrugged, looking at her sadly. "I don't know."
"You know that you are a terrible lier?"
He blushed and sighed. "Do you want to dance?" He offered her his hand which Emma took hesitantly. Before he could walk them to the dance floor, he pulled her into a hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent sharply.
Emma didn't know what was going on, she just felt that Killian needed her support. Without questioning, she started to stroke his hair, making him snuggle even closer. "I'm sorry", he whispered, holding her tight.
"It's okay, whatever it is, it's okay. I'm here and if you wanna talk about it, I'll listen", she whispered back, kissing his cheek.
He shook his head. "Let's dance. I need distraction." He kissed her neck softly, making Emma close her eyes. She had to bite back a moan when his lips wandered over her skin. She tilted her head to give him better access when suddenly someone bumped into her.
Killian looked up, seeing Robin looking at him. "Oops", he said and ordered something for Regina and him, ignoring Killian's angry glance. Emma took Killian's hand and dragged him to the dance floor, passing Regina who was watching them with raised eyebrows.
Great, she thought and sighed, thinking about the upcoming speech Regina will give her soon. She didn't know what was going on between Robin and Killian or Regina and Killian but she hated to be caught between the two stools.
They joined Ruby and her newest flirt and enjoyed the rest of the night without any incidents.